Montchavin-Les Coches
Montchavin-Les Coches is about 154 km from Geneva Airport, roughly 2 hours 15 minutes by road via Albertville and the Tarentaise valley to Bellentre, then a short climb. The route crosses the border into France, and the two villages sit on the wooded northern edge of La Plagne, linked to Les Arcs by the Vanoise Express; AirportsTransfers.ch can take you there in a single journey.
- Distance from GVA: about 154 km
- Drive time: around 2 h 15 min
- Border crossing: yes, into France
- Best for: families, intermediates and skiers who want Paradiski from a calm base
- Getting there: motorway to Albertville, N90 to Bellentre, then the resort road
The route from Geneva Airport
The journey heads south across the border on the A41, past Annecy or via Chambéry, to Albertville. From there the N90 expressway follows the Isère up the Tarentaise valley past Moûtiers and Aime. You leave it at Bellentre, below the resort, and a winding road climbs the hillside to Montchavin and then to Les Coches, slightly further and higher.
Compared with resorts such as Plagne Centre or Val Thorens, the climb from the valley is relatively short, which makes for a gentler end to the journey. Nevertheless, the road is snowy in winter and has bends, so winter tyres and chains are standard. The busiest days in the valley are Saturdays during school holidays.
The ski area: La Plagne and the Vanoise Express
Montchavin-Les Coches is one of the satellite villages of La Plagne, one of France's large ski areas. Lifts from both villages climb to the slopes above, where you can ski towards Plagne Bellecôte, Plagne Centre and the higher sectors of the domain. The local slopes are mainly tree-lined and gentle to moderate in pitch, making them ideal for intermediates, families and anyone who appreciates shelter when the weather turns.
The Vanoise Express cable car, which spans the valley between the La Plagne side and Peisey-Vallandry, makes Montchavin-Les Coches a convenient starting point for exploring Les Arcs as part of Paradiski. Strong skiers can easily put together big days across both resorts, while beginners have dedicated areas near the villages. Off-piste lines exist across the wider domain, especially at altitude, and should be tackled with a qualified guide.
The two villages
Montchavin was once a farming hamlet and retains an old core of stone and wood buildings, with chalets and residences built around it in a sympathetic style. It has a village feel, with a few shops, restaurants and a small square. Les Coches, a little higher and more recent, was built with car-free walkways and residences close to the slopes, and is particularly practical for families with young children who want ski-in, ski-out convenience.
Both villages are calmer than La Plagne's high-altitude centres, and they have a reputation for being family-orientated, with ski schools, a nursery area and activities such as sledging and snowshoeing. Give the exact village and residence when booking, as the roads and drop-off points differ.
Evenings are relaxed rather than lively, with a handful of bars and restaurants; those who want more animation can head to the larger Plagne villages, while those seeking quiet will appreciate the forest setting and the views across the valley towards Les Arcs and the Mont Pourri.
When to go and practical tips
The season normally runs from mid-December to April. The local wooded slopes are best in the heart of winter, while La Plagne's higher sectors and glacier area keep good snow later. February holidays bring the most visitors; January and March are calmer.
- Saturday traffic: plan extra time on changeover days in the Tarentaise.
- Snow chains: the road from Bellentre can require them after snowfall.
- Ski pass: choose a La Plagne or Paradiski pass according to your plans.
- Equipment: declare skis and any sledges or bulky items at booking.
The return trip
For your return to Geneva Airport, leave Montchavin-Les Coches at least three and a half hours before your flight, more on peak Saturdays when the valley road down to Albertville is busy. Booking the return at the same time as your outward transfer fixes the pick-up time and avoids last-minute arrangements.
Booking your transfer
Reserve with AirportsTransfers.ch and the fixed price for your vehicle is shown before you pay online, by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your chauffeur tracks your flight, waits in the arrivals hall with a name sign and includes waiting time if you land late. Choose a sedan for up to three passengers, the Mercedes V-Class van for up to seven with ten bags and skis, or the Sprinter minibus for groups. Child seats are available on request. The team is reachable around the clock on +41 78 346 56 77 by phone or WhatsApp.
